World Cup-winning Sir Alf dies

England's World Cup-winning manager Sir Alf Ramsey has died aged 79 after a long illness.

Sir Alf, manager of the national team from 1963 to 1974, guided England to football's biggest prize in 1966.

During the World Cup finals last year he suffered a stroke, and today Ipswich Town, the club he used to manage, confirmed he had died in a nursing home earlier this week.

Players who played under him described Sir Alf as a quiet, determined and brilliant manager.

George Cohen, a right-back in 1966, said: "I am shocked and saddened. It is terribly sad.

"Although we knew he was ill it is always going to be a shock when it comes around.

"He was possibly the best manager I have ever played for and I think he is going to be sorely missed by all his friends and family."

Alan Mullery, a midfielder in the 1970 World Cup campaign, said: "He was the best manager England have ever had. He was such a nice man and I don't think we will see another like him. When he said something he said it quietly but you listened - otherwise you didn't play in the next game."